Encore: Mangoes in the Middle

Summary

Circle Round Podcast Episode Summary

Episode: Encore: Mangoes in the Middle
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Host: Rebecca Shear
Produced by: WBUR

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Introduction

In this special encore edition of Circle Round, hosted by Rebecca Shear, listeners are treated to the enchanting folktale "Mangoes in the Middle," originally from India. The episode seamlessly blends storytelling with rich soundscapes, making it captivating for both children and adults. Featuring the talented actor and multi-hyphenate Utkarsh Ambudkar, known for his roles in Disney’s Mira Royal Detective, Godmothered, and other notable productions, this episode promises to deliver both entertainment and meaningful lessons.

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Story Overview

"Mangoes in the Middle" narrates the tale of two neighbors—a carpenter and a weaver—who find themselves at odds over the ownership of a flourishing mango tree situated between their homes. The tree has recently borne an unusually abundant harvest of mangoes, leading to a dispute that brings the villagers before the wise and witty advisor, Birbal, to the emperor.

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Key Plot Points

1. The Dispute Begins (00:50 - 03:24)

   • The carpenter claims ownership, stating, "I've been watering that tree ever since it was a sapling. All those juicy, delicious mangoes are mine." (03:46).
   • The weaver counters, asserting, "I planted that tree the day my daughter was born. I have nurtured it for more than 20 years. Now that fruit belongs to me." (03:58).

2. Birbal’s Nighttime Investigation (04:34 - 08:37)

   • Undeterred by the conflicting claims, Birbal disguises himself to observe the neighbors.
   • He notifies each neighbor of supposed thieves stealing mangoes from the tree.
   • The carpenter dismisses the warning, "It's the middle of the night and I am not about to bandy with some rascals over a silly tree." (06:10).
   • Contrarily, the weaver responds eagerly, "Would you believe I planted that mango tree when my daughter was born and nurtured it ever since? Now it's like a second child to me. Come help me defend it." (07:08).

3. The Next Day’s Verdict (10:24 - 15:04)

   • Both neighbors present themselves before Birbal after their night's experiences.
   • Birbal proposes an equitable solution: "I will send my servants to gather all the mangoes from the tree... then divide them equally between the two of you." (12:00).
   • The carpenter wholeheartedly agrees, but the weaver objects, emphasizing his deep emotional and nurturing bond with the tree:

     "I've watered its roots. It's even given us sweet music, thanks to the countless birds who have built their nests in the crooks of its sturdy limbs." (13:23)

   • Recognizing the weaver's genuine attachment and dedication, Birbal declares:

     "It is more than apparent to this court that the rightful owner is you. Case dismissed." (14:34)

4. Resolution and Community Spirit (15:15 - 16:18)

   • The grateful weaver offers half of his mango harvest to Birbal, who instead requests the donation of mango seeds to create a community orchard.
   • This act symbolizes the importance of community, sharing, and the enduring legacy of nurturing nature.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Weaver defending the tree:

  "I planted that tree the day my daughter was born. I have nurtured it for more than 20 years. Now that fruit belongs to me."
  Timestamp: 03:58

• Carpenter dismissing the theft claim:

  "It's the middle of the night and I am not about to bandy with some rascals over a silly tree. Now get out of here and leave me be."
  Timestamp: 06:10

• Weaver expressing his bond with the tree:

  "I've watered its roots. It's even given us sweet music, thanks to the countless birds who have built their nests in the crooks of its sturdy limbs."
  Timestamp: 13:23

• Birbal’s final judgment:

  "It is more than apparent to this court that the rightful owner is you. Case dismissed."
  Timestamp: 14:34

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Insights and Conclusions

"Mangoes in the Middle" is not just a story about property disputes but delves deeper into themes of honesty, dedication, and the intrinsic value of nurturing something over two decades. The carpenter's superficial claim contrasts sharply with the weaver's heartfelt connection, highlighting that true ownership often stems from love and sustained effort rather than mere possession.

Birbal's wisdom shines as he discerns the genuine attachment the weaver has to the tree, ensuring justice is served not just through legal means but also through understanding human emotions and values. The resolution fosters a sense of community by promoting the establishment of a communal orchard, emphasizing sharing and collective well-being.

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Activity and Reflection

At the episode's end, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences with honesty. Children are prompted to share stories of truthful actions with grown-ups, fostering deeper conversations and connections. Additionally, the option to engage creatively through drawing further reinforces the episode's themes.

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Additional Features

• Coloring Pages: Accompanying the story are black-and-white illustrations available for listeners to print and color, enhancing engagement.
• Musical Elements: The use of the Bulbul Tarang, a traditional Indian instrument, adds an authentic cultural texture to the narrative.
• Interactive Engagement: Listeners are invited to share their colored pages and stories on Instagram, creating a community around shared values and creativity.

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Conclusion

The "Mangoes in the Middle" episode of Circle Round exemplifies the podcast's mission to adapt global folktales into engaging and meaningful stories for all ages. Through rich storytelling, memorable characters, and interactive activities, it reinforces important life lessons while celebrating cultural heritage.

For more stories, coloring pages, and to support the Circle Round Club, visit WBUR.org/CircleRound.

Transcript

[Rebecca Shear]

Hi, Rebecca Shear here.

[Unknown]

Before we get to our story, a humble invitation.

[Rebecca Shear]

Circle Round is a public media podcast. As public media faces serious federal funding.

[Unknown]

Cuts, I invite you to help keep us going strong by joining the Circle Round Club.

[Rebecca Shear]

As thanks for your donation, you'll get.

[Unknown]

Ad free episodes, bonus bedtime stories, exclusive.

[Rebecca Shear]

Swag, early access to Circle Round, live tickets and more. Sign [e-mail] CircleRoundClub thanks for circling Round.

[Unknown]

With us and thanks for your support.

WBUR Podcasts Boston.

[Rebecca Shear]

Hi, Rebecca Scheer here.

[Unknown]

We're taking some time off this summer.

[Rebecca Shear]

As we gear up for Circle Round's ninth season of our WBUR podcast, featuring.

[Unknown]

Dozens of folktales from around the world.

[Rebecca Shear]

And an exciting lineup of live episode recordings across the United States. In the meantime, this week, please enjoy a special encore edition of Circle Round, a really fun story you may have.

[Unknown]

Missed the first time around.

[Rebecca Shear]

Here we go. Think about something that you would consider priceless. Maybe it's a big, warm hug from a grown up you love or a.

[Unknown]

Super fun play date with a friend. In today's tale, we'll hear about a priceless mango tree whose worth can't be.

[Rebecca Shear]

Measured in money or or even in mangoes. I'm Rebecca Scheer and welcome to Circle Round, where storytime happens all the time. Today, our story is called Mangoes in the Middle. It originally comes from India and features a beloved character you may remember from our season three story, the Nine Sticks Beer Ball. Some really great people came together to bring you our telling of this tale and including actor, rapper, singer and songwriter Utkarsh Ambudkar, whom you kids might recognize from Mira Royal Detective on Disney Junior, Godmothered on Disney, Tom and Jerry on HBO Max and Unleashed on Nickelodeon. You grown ups might know Utkarsh from such films as Brittany Runs a Marathon and We Are Freestyle Love Supreme. So circle around everyone for Mangoes in the Middle.

[Unknown]

Birbal was the advisor to a powerful emperor long ago.

[Rebecca Shear]

With a mind as quick as a falcon's flight and a wit as sharp as a porcupine's quill, Birbal advised the.

[Unknown]

Emperor on all matters big and small. But when Birbal wasn't at the emperor's.

[Rebecca Shear]

Side, he was holding court as a judge.

[Unknown]

Citizens journeyed from across the empire to argue their cases before Birbal.

[Rebecca Shear]

And the keen, cunning fellow always found.

[Unknown]

A clever way to settle the dispute.

[Rebecca Shear]

One spring morning, Birebal was approached by.

[Unknown]

Two neighbors, a carpenter and a weaver. The men lived next door to each other in a village not far from the palace and between their houses stood a mango tree which the carpenter claimed was his.

[Carpenter]

The tree is mine, you, Honor.

[Unknown]

And the weaver claimed was his.

[Weaver]

No, no, no, Your Honor. That tree belongs to me.

[Unknown]

As Birbal leaned forward in his chair with his elbow on his knee and his chin in his hand, the men explained that the mango tree had recently borne fruit. Far more fruit than usual. And now that its branches were bursting with hundreds of ripe, succulent mangoes, the carpenter insisted he should harvest them.

[Carpenter]

You see, your Honor, I've been watering that tree ever since it was a sapling. All those juicy, delicious mangoes are mine.

[Unknown]

But the weaver disagreed.

[Weaver]

My neighbor is telling you a falsehood. Your Honor, I planted that tree the day my daughter was born. I have nurtured it for more than 20 years. Now that fruit belongs to me.

[Unknown]

Birbal leaned back in his chair and stroked his chin. He closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them again, he fixed the men with a stern gaze.

[Birbal]

Gentlemen, now that I've heard your arguments, I will need some time to think this case through. Please return to the palace first thing tomorrow and I will deliver my verdict.

[Rebecca Shear]

That night, while the rest of the.

[Unknown]

Palace slumbered, Birbal snuck out of his room and into the hallway. A full moon shone through the windows, casting long shadows as Birbal crept along corridors and tiptoed down stairways. When he reached the servants quarters, he slipped inside and quietly rummaged through a drawer of clothing.

[Rebecca Shear]

He pulled on some pants, put on.

[Unknown]

A shirt and cap, then hurried off.

[Rebecca Shear]

To the stables where he mounted one.

[Unknown]

Of the emperor's horses. He tugged at the horse's reins, then galloped off to the village where the carpenter and weaver lived. Birobo halted his horse in front of the two men's houses.

[Rebecca Shear]

Indeed, smack dab in the middle was the mango tree, its thick green leaves.

[Unknown]

And plump red fruit sh. Shimmering in the moonlight.

[Birbal]

My, my, my. You are quite a specimen, aren't you? Now I see why the carpenter and weaver are fighting so hard. But trust me, they won't be fighting for long.

[Unknown]

Beerball hopped off the horse, then crossed the carpenter's yard.

[Rebecca Shear]

When he reached the house, he banged.

[Unknown]

On the door and called out in.

[Rebecca Shear]

A disguised voice, Carpenter.

[Birbal]

Carpenter, come quick. Thieves are stealing your mangoes. They're picking them right off your tree. Soon there won't be any left.

[Unknown]

At first, no one answered.

[Rebecca Shear]

It was well past midnight, after all.

[Unknown]

But then Birbal heard the carpenter's gruff voice growling through the closed door.

[Carpenter]

Look, whoever you are, you can go away. It's the middle of the night and I am not about to bandy with some rascals over a silly tree. Now get out of here and leave me be. Let a man sleep in peace.

[Unknown]

Birbal smiled to himself. Then he retraced his steps across the carpenter's yard and hurried to the weaver's.

[Rebecca Shear]

House where again he banged on the.

[Unknown]

Door and called out, weaver.

[Birbal]

Weaver, come quickly. Thieves are stealing your mangoes. They're picking them right off your tree. Soon there won't.

[Unknown]

But before Beerball could utter another word, the door of the house burst open and the weaver came rushing out. His hair tousled and his eyes wide. He blinked at the man standing before him. Clearly he had no idea this stranger dressed in servants clothing was Bireball.

[Weaver]

Oh, kind sir, thank you for waking me up. Would you believe I planted that mango tree when my daughter was born and nurtured it ever since? Now it's like a second child to me. Come help me defend it.

[Unknown]

Birbal joined the weaver as he raced to the mango tree and sprinted around its hardy trunk, craning his head this way and that, looking for the roustabouts who were pilfering his mangoes. Eventually he stopped, stopped dashing about and scratched his head.

[Carpenter]

Huh.

[Weaver]

I guess we frightened the thieves away, but who knows if they'll return. I'm going to climb up and hide in the branches. If those plunderers come back, I'll be ready. Thanks for your assistance, friend.

[Unknown]

Then the weaver scrambled up the trunk.

[Rebecca Shear]

And perched on a long limb, prepared to guard the tree all night.

[Unknown]

Birbal tipped his cap at the weaver, then hopped onto his horse and returned to the palace. He crept back to his room, where he changed out of his servant's garb and into his pajamas.

[Rebecca Shear]

Then he plopped down on his bed.

[Unknown]

And stretched out beneath the covers, his ankles crossed, his hands folded, his face beaming.

[Birbal]

The carpenter and the Weaver have no idea how helpful they were tonight. There's just one more test I want to put them through, and only one of them can possibly pass.

[Rebecca Shear]

What do you think Beerball is cooking up? And who do you think is the true owner of the mango tree? We'll find out after a quick break.

[Unknown]

Support for Circle Round comes from Paramount Pictures this July. Get ready for an adventure that will blue you away. It's Smurfs. Papa Smurf has been taken by evil wizards, and if the Smurfs can't stop them, it'll mean the end of the universe. Smurfs has an all star cast with Nick Offerman, John Goodman, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne and lots of others, including Rihanna as Smurfette, who leads the mission to rescue Papa Smurf. Rihanna also does some of the music on the great new soundtrack. Smurfs is in theaters July 18th. Bring the whole Smurfin family.

[Rebecca Shear]

The reviews are in and superfans like you are loving the Circle Round Club, an exciting opportunity to support public radio and get cool stuff including ad free episodes and a personalized birthday message from me.

[Unknown]

What I like about the Circle Round Club is that Rebecca Shearer sends extra messages and it supports the show and there are no ads.

[Rebecca Shear]

Grown ups support public radio and sign up [e-mail] CircleRoundClub welcome back to Circle Round. I'm Rebecca Scheer. Today our story is called Mangoes in.

[Unknown]

The Middle.

[Rebecca Shear]

Before the break, two neighbors, a carpenter and a weaver, were arguing.

[Unknown]

About who owned the mango tree that grew between their houses. They brought their case to wise, witty.

[Rebecca Shear]

Birbal, and that night, disguised as a.

[Unknown]

Common citizen, Birbal visited both men and told them someone was stealing mangoes from the tree.

[Rebecca Shear]

The carpenter just grumbled and went back to bed.

[Unknown]

But the weaver came rushing outside and guarded the tree for the rest of.

[Rebecca Shear]

The night by perching on one of its branches. The next morning, as instructed, the neighbors.

[Unknown]

Returned to the palace. Birbal noticed that the carpenter looked especially cocky and the weaver looked especially weary.

[Rebecca Shear]

Shadowy bags hung under his eyes and.

[Unknown]

His hair was sprinkled with twigs and leaves.

[Birbal]

Welcome back, gentlemen. I appreciate you giving me extra time to consider your case.

[Unknown]

The carpenter stuck out his chest and placed his hand on his heart.

[Carpenter]

Well, it wasn't easy waiting all this time, of course, but it was the least we could do.

[Unknown]

The weaver bowed his head.

[Weaver]

Actually, it is we who should be thanking you, your Honor. After all, you're the one who took time to hear our case and and decide who is the tree's rightful owner.

[Unknown]

Birbal nodded and scratched his chin.

[Birbal]

Yes, about that. You see, I'm afraid I wasn't quite able to come to a decision about which one of you owns the tree.

[Unknown]

The carpenter looked confused. The weaver looked crestfallen.

[Birbal]

But I don't want to disappoint you. So here is what I propose. I will send my servants to your village where they will gather all the mangoes from the tree. They will count every last piece of fruit, then divide them equally between the two of you. After that, my woodsman will cut down the tree and chop it into firewood. That wood will also be divided equally between the two of you. What do you say?

[Unknown]

The carpenter clapped his hands with delight.

[Carpenter]

I say that would be wonderful, Your Honor. A most fair and just decision, sir.

[Rebecca Shear]

Birbal waited for the weaver to respond.

[Unknown]

But the man stayed silent.

[Birbal]

Well, how about you, Weaver? Do you agree to the deal? Half of the fruit, half of the wood? Your neighbor here says it would be fair and just. What do you think?

[Unknown]

At first, the weaver said nothing. Then he took a deep breath and looked Beerball right in the eye.

[Weaver]

With all due respect, your Honor, I think the deal is anything but fair and just.

[Unknown]

Birbal cocked his head.

[Carpenter]

Oh?

[Birbal]

And why would you say such a thing, Weaver?

[Weaver]

Well, you, Honor, it's like I told you yesterday. I planted that tree 20 years ago. The day my daughter was born. And just as I've watched my daughter grow, I've watched that tree grow. I've watered its roots. I've trimmed its branches. I've given it my love and care. And in return, that tree has provided me and my family with cool shade on hot days. Fresh fruit after a long winter. It's even given us sweet music. Thanks to the countless birds who have built their nests in the crooks of its sturdy limbs.

[Unknown]

The weaver paused, then shook his head and slumped his shoulders.

[Weaver]

Your Honor, I can't bear to see that tree chopped down and turned into firewood. So, please, if you must give the tree to the carpenter, he can have it. I'd rather let it go than see it die.

[Rebecca Shear]

Birbal gazed at the weaver.

[Unknown]

The man's eyes were misty with tears.

[Birbal]

Well, actually, Weaver, you won't have to do either.

[Weaver]

What?

[Birbal]

You won't have to let the tree go. And you won't have to see it die. Because of your affection for that tree. Because of the love you've shown, the care you've shown, the. The hard work, the effort. It is more than apparent to this court that the rightful owner is you. Case dismissed.

[Rebecca Shear]

The deceitful carpenter gritted his teeth and.

[Unknown]

Stomped out of the room.

[Rebecca Shear]

The honest weaver, meanwhile, breathed a sigh of relief. The grateful man offered to give Birbal half of his mango harvest as a token of his appreciation.

[Unknown]

But Birbal said no. Instead, he asked the weaver to donate half of his mango seeds and plant.

[Rebecca Shear]

A community orchard right there on the palace grounds. That way, everyone could enjoy cool shade on hot days, fresh fruit after a long winter, and the sweet music of.

[Unknown]

Birdsong for generations to come.

[Rebecca Shear]

Now it's your turn. Can you think of a time when you practiced honesty? A time when you acted or spoke truthfully. Find a grown up and tell them.

[Unknown]

The story of what happened.

[Rebecca Shear]

Share what was going on at the moment, what you decided to do, and whether or not it was easy to be honest. And because sometimes, let's face it, being truthful can be a challenge. When you're done sharing, ask your grown up to tell you about a time they practiced honesty.

[Unknown]

Then if you'd like, you can both.

[Rebecca Shear]

Draw pictures to go with your stories and share them with us on Instagram. Grown Ups Our handle is circleround Podcast. This week's story, Mangoes in the Middle.

[Unknown]

Was adapted by me, Rebecca Shear.

[Rebecca Shear]

It was edited by Annemarie Sivertson. Circle Round's original music and sound design is by Eric Shyamalonis. Our artist is Sabina Hahn. Want to color while you listen? Sabina has drawn a black and white.

[Unknown]

Picture for all 100 plus circle round.

[Rebecca Shear]

Stories and you can print them out and color them in Ask a grown up to Visit our website WBUR.org CircleRound and click on soundtrack and coloring pages. Special thanks to this week's actors Theodore Chin, Ryan Schreim and Utkarsh Ambudkar. Kids, you can see and hear Utkarsh Mbudkar in Royal Detective on Disney Junior Godmothered on Disney, Tom and Jerry on HBO Max and Unleashed on Nickelodeon.

[Unknown]

And Grown Ups.

[Rebecca Shear]

Check out Utkarsh in Brittany Runs a Marathon and we are Freestyle Love Supreme. Our featured instrument this week was the Bulbul Tarang, a stringed Indian instrument with keys that look like a typewriter. You can learn more about the Bul Bul Tarang and see a photo of Eric Shyamalonis playing one on our website. Once more, that's WBUR.org CircleRound never want to miss an episode of Circle Round. Why not subscribe Grown Ups? You can find us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unknown]

And please leave us some stars.

[Rebecca Shear]

Write us a review or just tell your friends about the show. Circle Round is a production of wbur, Boston's NPR station. I'm Rebecca Shear. Thanks for Circling Round with us.

[Unknown]

Now that you've made it to the.

[Rebecca Shear]

End of this Circle Round episode, we want to know what's your favorite Circle Round story? Thousands of fans just like you have been telling us about the Circle Round stories they like best. Take a listen. Maybe one of their favorites is one of yours too.

[Unknown]

My name is Grant, I live at dugart Germany and my favorite Circle Round episode is the Basilisk Stair. My favorite part is when she used to uses her father's mirrors to reflect its stare and it turns to stone. My name is Amari, I live in Sebastopol, California and my favorite Circle Round story is the All Wish Stick. My favorite part is when the Dragon King gives Fay her awish stick. My name is Leon and I'm Asher and we live in Boston, Massachusetts. And our favorite Trickle Round story is the Crystal Story Box. And our favorite part is when Anansi says my name is Hugo. I live in Carlisle, Massachusetts. My favorite episode of Circle Round is the Flown Tracking. I like the part when the dragon says I'm one who's frightened, I'm one who's feared, I am alone, no one dares to come near. I'm Sienna from Boca Red Tone. My favorite circle around is the Tumbler, so I like the part where the woman gives him sweet gifts. My name is Ada. I'm from New Gloucester, Maine. My favorite story is the Giant Causeway. I like the part when the Mountain of Thunder crashes it down into the water. My name is Arlene. I'm from California. My favorite Circle Round story is the Blazers Wizard. I like the part where she gets the bow and arrow.

[Rebecca Shear]

Love you, Rebecca Sher did someone mention a story you've missed?

[Unknown]

Not to worry, grown ups.

[Rebecca Shear]

You can find all of our Circle Round stories plus links to the Circle Round Club, picture books, coloring pages, and oh so much more on our website, WBUR.org CircleRound.